15 Useful Tips For A Single Mum Returning To Work

Last updated on April 1st, 2022 at 08:42 pm

A single mum returning to work has a lot to think about. Here are some of our top tips, from mums who’ve made the transition back into the workplace on their own.

1. Don’t be fooled by Imposter Syndrome.

You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. You got the job because you’re qualified and competent! Ignore that little voice in your head that’s sayng “you can’t do this, they’re going to figure it out any day now…” Nope. No they aren’t, because they hired YOU for a good reason.

2. Get the office Wifi code.

You’re going to miss your kids in waves throughout the day. Especially when you know they’re up to something fun at nursery or with their childminder! Receiving a picture of them on your phone will put a smile on your face and help you get out of your head and back to your work. But you’ll need the wifi code so you don’t spend a fortune on data.

3. Get ready to remember a bit of the old you.

She’s baaaaaack!

4. Coffee.

If your friends and family are really chuffed for you that you’re going back to work, drop a hint that you’d like a travel mug as a gift. Getting that caffeine hit on-the-go will be a life saver.

5. Ditch the mum guilt.

Ditch it. Just ditch it. There is no benefit to wasting your time worrying if you’re doing the right or wrong thing by going back to work. There are pros and cons for every situation, and every family has different needs. Whether it’s feeling guilt for leaving your baba to work full time, or feeling like the lazy one in the office for being a part-timer. Whatever you do, someone will always have some criticism, but equally, there’ll be someone with praise, too.

6. It’s ok to be a little more selfish.

Once upon a time, you might have been that back-breaking employee who did everything to help their company and co-workers. And that’s a great attitude to have! Loyalty and dedication to your job and boss go a long way – BUT! Things are different now. You have a little one who needs you too, and your loyalty has to lie with them also.

7. Don’t forget you’re a superhero.

Being a single mum returning to work is such a huge achievement! Don’t forget that, and be sure to give yourself a mental pat on the back for your amazing effort, drive and motivation that you’ve shown to get to this step.

8. Organisation is your friend.

Your best friend. Organising the different areas of your life is going to help you in so many ways. The last thing you want when you come home from a long day at work is a messy home, an empty fridge and a long list of things to remember about your entire families schedules.

Read How to Keep Your Home Organised as a Single Mum

9. Automate your life.

What you need, is less things to do. Being a single mum who works mean you’re list of daily tasks and responsibilities is considerably higher than most people’s. Think about things you can automate, to make life easier.

For example, making sure your bills are paid by direct debit, saving a basic shopping list on your chosen supermarket website or subscribing to certain purchases on Amazon (cleaning products, hygiene products) can all save you time and mental energy.

10. Batch cook.

Batch cooking or meal planning can be a time saver, and can save you money as it will avoid the need for last minute takeaways. Coming home and taking a healthy pre-made meal out of the freezer, to heat in the oven or microwave can feel like a huge weight of a tired mamas shoulders.

Get a Free 7 Day Family Meal Plan Here

11. Treat yo’ self

In a single household income, it’s always a good idea to stick to a budget. Knowing what’s going to be left over at the end of the month is a good idea before making unnecessary purchases.

However, when there’s a little extra cash left, don’t be afraid to treat yourself once in a while. Whether it’s just a little purchase of a face mask for some self-care or something bigger that you’ve saved for.

12. Being a single mum returning to work can be challenging, and that’s ok.

You might have bad days, or days when you don’t think you can do it all. Things can feel overwhelming, and in addition, you might find that your kids make you more tired than your colleagues. Sometimes they’ll get sick and be sent home and you’ll have to leave work with a lot of rushed apologies to your boss.

However, it’s important to remember these things are happening to countless working women – single or otherwise. And these things don’t make you a bad employee, or any less worthy.

13. Know your entitlements and benefits.

If you’re claiming any Universal Credit, make sure that you keep the government updated on your working hours and pay. Look into what your entitlements are, to make sure you don’t miss out on Child Benefit, the NHS Healthy Start scheme or free childcare hours for 2 and 3 year olds.

Child Maintenance & Single Mum Benefits Explained

14. Leave work at the door.

When you get home, hold your little one in your arms and hug them tight. Ask them about their day, listen. Play games, have quality time. Even when it means leaving the laundry until tomorrow, sometimes.

Work is for the workplace, home is for love.

15. Improve your sleep.

A good nights sleep is going to make everything you do in life just that little bit easier. But do you find it hard to switch off?

Try reading these NHS tips on how to get a better nights sleep. Read it here.

And there are your 15 tips for a single mum returning to work!

Congratulations to you for hitting this milestone and returning to the world of work! Being financially independent as well as raising children is truly something to be proud of. You’ve got this! You’re doing great!

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